Develop yourself culturally

Our Mission

Mark Ellis, Co-Founder & Director

To provide a life changing experience for student-athletes as they pursue a dual-accredited US/UK degree programme whilst reaching their optimal playing potential.

How is RIASA Different?

The RIASA Programme offers student-athletes an alternative option to the traditional US College Soccer pathway. With RIASA, you will earn a Bachelor's degree in International Sports Management through Richmond, The American International University in Londonthat is accredited in both the United States and the United Kingdom. In addition, you will play a 9-month soccer season, as opposed to the 3-month season you would play on a US College Soccer Programme.

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The unfortunate truth is that most US college soccer programmes merely consider soccer an extracurricular activity and only offer a four month-long season. Meaning that student-athletes with dreams of reaching their potential don't have the time to fully commit to their goals.

However, millions of young people decide to attend a college in the US with the misguided dream of achieving their academic and athletic potential only to find that the two aspects of the programme are not given equal attention.

We think that's wrong. Student-athletes shouldn't have to sacrifice anything in pursuit of their dreams.

It was from this core belief that ex-professional player, Mark Ellis, had the inspiration to form RIASA. Resulting in an integrated academic and soccer programme that allows student-athletes to pursue their potential in the UK confidently, safe in the knowledge that they have both a US and a UK degree, coaching qualifications and rich life experiences upon graduation.

With that in mind, here is our agreement with our student-athletes:

To guide you on your journey and help you reach your academic and athletic potential.

To always provide you with options athletically and academically.

To do everything we can to make sure you graduate with a respected US/UK-accredited degree, coaching qualifications, refereeing badges and unrivalled life experiences.

To ensure that no matter what, you come out of the RIASA programme as a better student, athlete and person.

You ought to be able to reach your potential without sacrificing your education or your playing time. This is why we are fundamentally different, our student-athletes leave the RIASA programme as well-rounded, accomplished and respected individuals. No matter where their path leads.

Success Stories On & Off the Field

Set yourself up for success, no matter where your path leads

“To be quite honest, it was everything. RIASA gave me the opportunity to, first and foremost, be over here [the UK] studying whilst trying to fulfil a professional career. Football is not guaranteed, you could be here today and gone tomorrow. So, the importance of education is everything.”

Nahki Wells

Professional Striker

Burnley F.C.

"Just like on the field, this industry moves at lightning speed. From my perspective, working in sports is exactly like playing sports. You have a role, but you are expected to perform a multitude of tasks outside that role. You are a member of a team and the best teams buy in to a common goal."

"Getting seen in America is hard."DYLAN TURNER | RIASA STUDENT-ATHLETE

The Best of Both Worlds

Joseph DeMartino

RIASA Alumni | Goalkeeping Director at Fredericksburg FC

Along with my studies, I was also playing at a high level of football (soccer). Being able to continue my playing career while studying was very important to me, and being able to do so in a country that lives and breathes the sport was a dream come true. The RIASA programme in Leeds gave me the chance to do both and to meet some lifelong friends as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do RIASA offer scholarships?

As RIASA is a partnership with Richmond, The American International University in London, we are unfortunately exempt from typical scholarship initiatives. However, RIASA does have access to a sponsorship fund each academic year with which the coaches, academic staff and management are able to distribute amongst the RIASA Student-Athletes. In order to be eligible for such sponsorship, a student-athlete must meet all, or in exceptional cases, some of the following criteria:

Maintenance of a 3.0 GPA score in line with agreed, signed scholarship contract

Demonstrative athletic potential in line with agreed, signed Richmond University and RIASA code of conducts

Attendance of 95%+

Unwavering commitment to all aspects of the programme

Is RIASA a professional soccer academy?

Whilst RIASA prides itself on offeringall it’s student-athletes a truly professional experience, we are not a professional soccer academy in the sense of we are not directly or formally linked to a professional club. We are unique in our academic partnership with Richmond and therefore our aim is to develop our student-athletes with everything they need to reach their optimal playing potential, this includes providing the best staff, facilities, and playing opportunities. Of course, we can never guarantee an exit route into the professional or semi-professional game, but we can promise you the opportunity of a lifetime to grow, physically and mentally in an environment made for success.

What degree(s) can I study for on the RIASA programme?

As part of our unique partnership with Richmond, The American International University in London, we have specifically designed the dual-accredited BA International Sports Management degree to work around the intense demands of the soccer programme. Therefore, the BA International Sports Management degree is the only undergraduate degree programme available with RIASA. However, should a student-athlete wish to pursue postgraduate study, they can select from multiple postgraduate degrees from Leeds Beckett University to study alongside the soccer programme.